"Dr. Quackenboss!" said Fleda.
"I I was going to say, Miss Ringgan!" said the doctor, with a most unaffected obeisance, "but a I am afraid, Sir, it is a deceptive influence!"
"I hope not," said Dr. Gregory, smiling; one corner of his mouth for his guest and the other for his niece. "Real enough to do real execution, or I am mistaken, Sir."
"Upon my word, Sir," said Dr. Quackenboss, bowing again, "I hope a Miss Ringgan will remember the acts of her executive power at home, and return in time to prevent an unfortunate termination!"
Dr. Gregory laughed heartily now, while Fleda's cheeks relieved her dress to admiration.
"Who will complain of her if she don't?" said the doctor. "Who will complain of her if she don't?"
But Fleda put in her question.
"How are you all at home, Dr. Quackenboss?"
"All Queechy, Sir," answered the doctor, politely, on the principle of 'first come, first served' "and individuals I shouldn't like to specify"
"How are you all in Queechy, Dr. Quackenboss?" said Fleda.